Punjab Congress Developments: Channi Camp’s Meeting with Bhupesh Baghel Deferred

Charanjit Singh Channi faction’s scheduled meeting with Punjab Congress in-charge Bhupesh Baghel has been postponed, according to media reports. The meeting, which was expected to take place on Friday, was reportedly called off after differences emerged over conditions put forward by the Channi camp. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the reasons for the postponement or the revised schedule. Reports suggest that the meeting may now take place on Saturday, although no formal announcement has been made by the party. According to media reports, the Channi faction had placed two conditions before attending the meeting. The first was that the discussions should not be held at the Punjab Congress Bhawan, and the second was that Punjab Congress president Raja Warring should not be present during the meeting. Reports indicate that neither of these conditions was accepted, leading to the postponement of the proposed interaction. Sources close to former Punjab Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi have reportedly said that he wishes to meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi. According to these sources, the Channi camp wants any major political role in the upcoming elections to receive direct approval from Rahul Gandhi rather than being decided by Bhupesh Baghel. They maintain that further decisions will be taken only after such a meeting. Despite efforts by the Congress leadership to engage with party leaders in Punjab, reports suggest that Channi has declined to meet Bhupesh Baghel during the latter’s visit to Chandigarh. Baghel has been in the city for the past four days as part of his organisational outreach. Bhupesh Baghel’s five-day Punjab visit, originally scheduled to conclude on July 10, may reportedly be extended by another three days. However, no official confirmation has been issued regarding the extension or the rescheduling of the meeting with the Channi faction.